Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage which occurred in The Gardens, Swindon.
A man in his 20s had advertised a BMW 330 for sale on the Gumtree website and had a response from a male who discussed a price, which was agreed by the seller.
When the male arrived to buy the vehicle at 1am on the morning of 25 November 2017, much later than originally agreed, having text several times to say he had been delayed, he was accompanied by five friends.
When the seller went to show him the vehicle, he was distracted by the group of friends. The buyer then stated there was a fault with the vehicle and said he would buy the vehicle but for £2,200 less than initially agreed.
It is believed the group had poured oil in the coolant while the seller was distracted.
Two similar incidents have also been reported in Calliope Crescent.
Crime investigator Dee Willliams said: “This is a nationwide scam whereby a group of males attend the addresses of those people selling often high powered vehicles on Gumtree. While the seller is distracted, the group cause damage to the vehicle and then agree a price much lower than originally agreed after claiming the vehicle is damaged.
“In this particular incident, the seller felt intimidated by the group and agreed the lower price, before realising that the damage to the vehicle had in fact been caused by the group.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen this group in the area at the time, as well as anyone who has attempted to sell their vehicle through Gumtree and has had a similar experience. It’s important incidents of this nature are reported to police so we can build up a clearer picture of the criminal activity taking place.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
